Over 12.7 million Kenyans enrolled in SHA, Health PS announces

More than 12.7 million Kenyans have been registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA) since its inception, according to Health Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai.

Kimtai noted that the figure includes verified members previously enrolled in the now-disbanded National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and have since been transitioned to the SHA.

"As of today, October 6, 2024, we have registered a total of 12,704,548 members into the Social Health Authority. This number includes verified members who were under the defunct NHIF and have been transitioned to the Social Health Authority under Legal Notice No. 147 of 2024," he said.

He noted that registration is a continuous process and is ongoing through the USSD code *147# or the web-based portals at www.sha.go.ke and www.afyayangu.go.ke.

He also encouraged beneficiaries to register their dependents, noting that many have yet to do so.

“We have noted that most beneficiaries are registering but not adding their dependents. We call upon all to add their dependents for them to access healthcare services as well," he said.

According to the PS, all registered beneficiaries are entitled to free access to primary healthcare services under the Primary Healthcare Fund at Level 2 (dispensaries), Level 3 (health centres), and select Level 4 facilities, as well as emergency services at all health facilities.

He also noted that all public hospitals, from Levels 2 to 6, have been contracted to offer services to SHA-registered beneficiaries. Additionally, 1,442 private and faith-based health facilities have signed contracts and are now offering services.

He said the list of all health facilities contracted and offering services is available on the web-based portal at https://sha.go.ke/resources/categories/2.

Kimtai further noted that the Ministry held consultations with private and faith-based hospital associations and agreed that all remaining facilities should return signed contracts by Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

“They have committed to ensuring continued access to healthcare services to all SHA-registered beneficiaries during this transition period,” he added.

Addressing early challenges with the SHA rollout, Kimtai acknowledged issues with the e-claims portal, particularly with member verification and claims processing.

He, however, said they have addressed the system challenges, adding that the e-claims system is now operational.

"Over 10,900 end users have been trained and enrolled in the system," he said.

Healthcare providers who have not yet received their credentials have been encouraged to submit the necessary forms. The PS said the Health Insurance Claims System (HICS) from the defunct NHIF remains operational to handle pending claims for members admitted before October 1, 2024, and active enhanced schemes.

He emphasised that a joint committee, chaired by the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Medical Services, will be responsible for overseeing the verification of all outstanding bills from the NHIF period.

"We have committed to healthcare providers that these bills will be prioritised during the transition period, with frequent consultations to ensure a smooth process,” Kimtai said, reassuring that no registered SHA beneficiary will be denied healthcare services during this transition phase.

He also added that the Social Health Authority’s customer experience centre remains available to assist with any concerns, and members can reach out via their toll-free line, 0800 720 601.